AEC Bridgemaster

AEC Bridgemaster
Park Royal bodied AEC Bridgemaster (forward-entrance)
Overview
Manufacturer	AEC
Production	1956-1963
Powertrain
Engine	7,702 cubic centimetres (470.0 cu in; 7.702 L) AEC AV470 Inline 6 Turbo-diesel (first two prototypes) 9,668 cubic centimetres (590.0 cu in; 9.668 L) AEC AV590 Inline 6 NA
Power output	AEC AV470: 120 brake horsepower (120 PS; 89 kW) @ 2,300 rpm 1,200 newton-metres (890 lbf⋅ft) @ 1,700 rpm AEC AV590: 128 brake horsepower (130 PS; 95 kW) @ 1,800 rpm 430 pound-feet (580 N⋅m) @ 1,000 rpm
Transmission	4-speed AEC synchromesh
Dimensions
Wheelbase	16.5 feet (5,000 mm)
Length	30.0 feet (9,100 mm)
Width	8.0 feet (2,400 mm)
Height	13.55 feet (4,130 mm)
Curb weight	7,350–7,470 kilograms (16,200–16,470 lb)
Chronology
Successor	AEC Renown

The AEC Bridgemaster was a front-engined low-height double-decker bus chassis manufactured by AEC.

History

The AEC Bridgemaster was introduced by AEC in 1956 to meet the demand of low-height double-deckers from municipal and independent bus operators across the United Kingdom, which were barred from purchasing the Bristol Lodekka. It was designed as a fully-integral vehicle, utilising two sub frames like the contemporary Routemaster. Four pre-production examples were bodied by Crossley with an aluminium body; production examples bodied by Park Royal were introduced from 1958 with steel body frames at the request of British Electric Traction.[1]

In 1960 a forward-entrance version with slightly different driveline layout was introduced.[2] A total of 180 were produced before it was superseded by the AEC Renown in 1963.[3] East Yorkshire Motor Services were the largest customer, purchasing 50.[1][4][5]

• 
  AEC Bridgemaster initial styling concept.[6]
• 
  Rear-entrance AEC Bridgemaster chassis layout.[7]
• 
  AEC Bridgemaster body frame.[6]
• 
  First pre-serial AEC Bridgemaster, registration YDH225, chassis number MB3RA001, bodywork by Crossley with H41/31R layout, entered into service with Walsall in Nov. 1956.[6][5]
• 
  Second pre-serial AEC Bridgemaster, registration 9JML, chassis number MB3RA002, bodywork by Crossley with H41/31R layout,[5] in the service of the Birmingham Corporation.[6]

References

1. Companion to Road Passenger Transport History. Walsall: Roads & Road Transport History Association. 2013. p. 32. ISBN 978-0-9552876-3-3.
2. Bridgemaster With Front Entrance Commercial Motor 6 May 1960
3. Era ends Commercial Motor 19 November 1976
4. "Showstopper Bar None" Bus & Coach Preservation January 2018 page 12
5. AEC Bridgemaster Bus Lists on the Web
6. A.E.C. Limited / Park Royal Vehicles Limited AEC Bridgemaster brochure No. 584.8.58
7. A.E.C. Limited / Park Royal Vehicles Limited AEC Bridgemaster brochure No. 676.8.60

• Brown, Stuart J (2013). The Lodekka Alternatives. Hersham: Ian Allan Publishing.